text:
23 July 2016 10:26 PM
15 July 2016 4:47 PM
Saturday PS: The economics of being a bit rubbish
SOME time ago, I worked in a cheap and nasty office building in which nothing functioned properly, whether the washrooms or the computers or anything else, and the place was generally cramped, cheap and mean.
But don't imagine this was the fault of Thatcherite/austerian swingeing cuts to the janitorial workforce and maintenance bods. On the contrary, it was impossible to turn a corner without walking into someone carrying a piece of wood or a ladder or wheeling a trolley.
So abundant were they that they resembled characters in a dissident east European satire from the Seventies, one of those underground theatre productions showing communism's farcical failure to work in practice.
In short, it was precisely because the building was a dump that all these people had jobs.
Translate this bizarre and unintended employment-creation scheme to the national level and you have a large chunk of the George Osborne legacy.
In February, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced latest figures for international comparisons of productivity: "Output per hour in the UK was 18 percentage points below the average for the rest of the major G7 [Group of Seven] advanced economies in 2014, the widest productivity gap since comparable estimates began in 1991.
"On an output per worker basis, UK productivity was 19 percentage points below the average for the rest of the G7 in 2014."
These figures are absolutely dire and ought at the very least to give pause for thought the next time we chortle about strike-happy French people, indolent Italians and time-serving Japanese salarymen – France, Italy and Japan are all G7 members.
The other side of the coin is that we have record numbers of people in employment. Excellent news, isn't it?
Well, let me introduce you to four of them – the officials charged with "supervising" a new barrier at Victoria Station dividing the channel for those heading for the five Sussex platforms 15 through 19 from the one for those arriving on the same platforms and heading into the station.
You may have thought the division would happen naturally, as there is no way on to the platforms through the barriers at the start of the exit channel. Nor is it possible to reach the station through the barriers that lead to the platforms.
However, there are some shops on the "exit" side and the only way for customers to reach them is through the exit channel. Thus we "need" these people to ensure that anyone walking the "wrong" way is indeed merely shopping. If you can think of a more pointless line of "work" I'd be astonished but it helps to explain the dismal productivity statistics.
From the late Seventies onwards, communist officials (most famously China's Deng Xiaoping) would cheerfully embrace market economics provided (a) the result could still be described, however implausibly, as socialism and (b) there were concrete benefits in terms of living standards. Mr Osborne went the other way, talking up "enterprise" and the like while presiding over a low-output, low-income, high employment economy.
I don't expect much change from Philip Hammond, although I very much hope that he will abandon the Treasury's imperial ambitions regarding the rest of Whitehall and turn it back into the finance ministry it ought always to have been. I don't much care whether he does this out of personal conviction or because Theresa May tells him to.
- The top table
THE 1974-1979 Labour Government commissioned academic and Ernest Bevin biographer Alan Bullock to chair an inquiry into the desirability of worker-directors on the boards of British companies. His report recommended just such a system (it had been introduced in West Germany at that time) and was hated by the Tory Party.
Even the mild-mannered James Prior, future Employment Secretary and Cabinet "wet", gave it a kicking. Speaking in Sutton Coldfield in February 1977, he described worker-directors as "the new frontier of the corporate state". Labour's election defeat in 1979 deep-sixed the idea for nearly 40 years.
Until, that is, Mrs May revived it. Why not go all the way, Prime Minister? Tito-ite "worker management" of factories, perhaps, or Tony Benn-style co-operatives. All power to the Soviets, eh what?
- Is your journey really necessary?
WEDNESDAY morning I travelled to the domestic bit of St Pancras Station to use the services of East Midlands Trains, aka Low Speed 2. After what seemed a week, the train arrived in Nottingham and my colleagues and I spilled on to the platform, gagging for tea or coffee. None had been available on the train because, as the manager of the buffet-trolley "explained", the hot water had run out.
No such problem on the journey back to London. There was no trolley at all.
Worker-directors. Rail passengers treated with contempt. Will the May era prove to be one big Seventies tribute act?
- Maintain your rage
IN case you ever wonder why Britain has voted to leave the European Union, read this extract from a Press Association story on Thursday:
"Theresa May's Cabinet shows the new Prime Minister is more focused on Conservative Party cohesion than the future of the country, the president of the European Parliament has said.
"Martin Schulz attacked the 'dangerously vicious cycle' of Tory leaders putting political interests first."
Cut this out and show it to your children when they refuse to believe there was ever a state of affairs in which a career politician from Germany, "president" (he isn't one) of a "parliament" (it isn't one) thought it entirely proper to criticise a British cabinet re-shuffle.
- A jolly good fellow
TWO excellent reasons to welcome Boris's elevation to the Foreign Office. One, The Times seems doubtful, always a reliable counter-indicator. Two, without him in the Leave campaign we would have lost.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
08 July 2016 6:48 PM
Saturday PS: Let's call the whole thing off
A couple of wild and wacky notions were doing the rounds in the mid-Eighties when I moved to London from the regional media to start work as a financial correspondent.
One was called "privatising the Bank of England", the then catch-phrase for what later become known as "central bank independence".
Another was the idea that the Stock Exchange (then owned by its members, in common with most such institutions round the world) should be turned into a company and floated on…the Stock Exchange.
How we laughed! Yet both these off-the-wall ideas came to pass, as did a few other once weird and wonderful notions: selling the railways, turning water supply over to private companies, the privatisation of Royal Mail. And so on.
This week, we heard that shareholders in the long-since-corporatised Stock Exchange had voted to approve a merger with Germany's Deutsche Borse. This proposal was announced on March 16 and trumpeted by the London exchange as a "merger of equals", so you will not be surprised to learn that the Brits will end up with 45.6 per cent of the merged entity and the Germans 54.4 per cent.
As some sort of consolation prize, Britain is to host the mega-exchange resulting from the deal.
Or is it?
Despite stout denials at the time that the June 23 vote to leave the European Union made any difference to the deal, the German regulator seems to have different ideas.
On June 28, it was reported that the president of the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), Felix Hufeld, said: "'It is hard to imagine that the most important stock exchange in the euro area is controlled from a location outside the EU."
Apparently Mr Hufeld added that there was a need to "re-adjust" the arrangements in the light of the Leave vote in Britain.
Why not call the whole thing off, which Deutsche Borse shareholders may well do given they have until July 12 to cast their own votes.
Fine by me, given that I approve neither of stock-markets selling shares in themselves nor in them merging with one another. Rather than fantasising about "global market position", a stock exchange ought to concentrate on barring the wrong'uns in the investment fraternity and keeping the market functioning as smoothly as possible.
- Square or what?
MEANWHILE, Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the People's Bank of China (PBoC), has been talking to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about how Beijing sees the role of a central bank. Simply pursuing an inflation target would not suit Chinese needs, he said, adding that the PBoC also promoted economic growth, employment, financial reform and market opening.
He added that maintaining the current account was another of the bank's responsibilities.
The current account? Get with the programme, comrade. In today's globalised world economy, no-one cares about that sort of thing anymore. Just float your currency and the trade numbers will automatically balance. A piece of cake.
True, Britain has pursued this course for decades and the current account has been in the red every single year since 1984. But it is a long-run process, proving once again Lord Keynes's dictum that in the long run we are all dead.
- Come on, you know who I mean
THE Season is upon us once more and that means, inter alia, Wimbledon, the enormous popularity of which has long baffled those of us who see tennis as a pleasant game to be played by people with long back gardens but who are astonished by the huge sums of money to be made by practitioners of alfresco ping-pong.
Some years ago, sitting in The Coach and Horses in Ray Street, London EC1, then the chief watering hole for hacks at The Guardian (the paper's back door was only 30 seconds away), I looked up at the window of the bar and conceived of an entirely fictitious yet plausible badly-behaved, overpaid foreign tennis player – Seniw Detropmi.
He'd hail from Romania, or Bulgaria, or somewhere like that, a scrappy outsider who would be forever failing to reach the highest rankings because of his bad-tempered way with umpires. When conversation turned to tennis, I would occasionally murmur something about Detropmi being "his own worst enemy" and ponder whether this year he would have the discipline to go all the way and cause an upset at Wimbledon.
I was never pulled up on the question of Detropmi's non-existence. As you may have guessed, the inspiration for this flawed sporting hero came from reading, from inside the bar (thus backwards), words engraved on the window intended to be read by those outside. Alongside "Fine Ales" and "Spirits" was "Imported Wines".
- Everyday tale of Europe-loving folk
ONE aspect of the commuter's life is a fondness for Farming Today, the Radio 4 programme broadcast in the quarter-hour running up to 6am and, in my case, listened to while shaving, the volume down so as not to disturb my wife. Like the rest of the corporation, the programme was admirably balanced ahead of the vote and, like the rest of the corporation, it has seemed a little less balanced since the constraints came off.
Thursday morning, the programme headed off in search of migrant farm workers and invited them to emote over the referendum result.
"You seem disappointed," the reporter asked a chap from Bulgaria called Angel (I think this is right)
"I am."
A female migrant was asked if anyone had been horrid to her, it being widely claimed that "hate crime" has shot up since the result. No, came the answer. But she had heard that other people had suffered this sort of thing.
Mm. Not what would usually be considered evidence, I'm afraid.
Come yesterday, and a British farmer was being interviewed on the horrors of Brexit. The reporter stated as a fact that we would see fruit and vegetable prices "shooting up". The farmer threatened to relocate his operation to Poland, presumably to be able to continue to take advantage of the cheap labour (or "global talent", as the City Blob calls it).
Heathrow Airport is that way, old son.
- Loose connection
MANY years ago, I was on holiday in Morocco and had to telephone home for some cash to be wired over from the UK (nothing sinister, I didn't have a credit card back then and had misjudged the cost of the trip). Even by the then-dire standards prevailing in Britain, the line was truly terrible.
That must all have changed in the three-plus decades since, surely?
As the Wales football team stormed towards the semi-finals a few days ago, the BBC contacted an understandably-delighted John Toshack, former Wales manager and, before that, player, currently managing a team in Casablanca. So terrible was the connection that it sounded as if he were talking under water.
In this shiny digital world, it is good to see that some things haven't changed.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
01 July 2016 6:15 PM
Saturday PS: No end of a carnival
AND so the sun rises on Leadsom's Britain. Or perhaps Crabb's. Probably not Fox's, although you never know.
It may sound eccentric, but as far as I am concerned, the Conservative Party leadership debacle was only the third most entertaining show in town this week. In second place was the hilarious spectacle of the Labour leader comparing Israel to Islamic State – at the launch of a report into anti-semitism in the Labour Party. Don't ever change, Jeremy old son.
Best of all, however, was the wailing from the nation's "youth" – or rather, the 73 per cent of the 36 per cent of 18-24 year olds who (a) bothered to vote and (b) voted Remain – at the prospect of their country severing itself from the Suits of Brussels. I had heard that young people were more conventional these days, but this is ridiculous.
Time was when the only people enthusiastic about the Soviet Union were those in western countries who did not have to live there. Perhaps our own "idealistic youngsters" would like to reflect on the fact that some euro-zone countries, such as Greece and Spain, have youth unemployment of about 50 per cent.
The reason we haven't is because those boring old gits currently being excoriated by for voting Leave also refused, in the previous decade, to be bamboozled into joining the euro. Doubtless, had they been in full voice then, our Euro-enthusiastic yoof would have been raging against this denial of their "European future".
Meanwhile, the nation's scientists are getting in on the act, but with rather more materialistic motives than the incoherent blubbings of "our young people". Here is the BBC website on June 29:
"A leading scientist has said that UK science will suffer unless any post-Brexit agreement allows the free movement of people." Pretty soon, we cut to the chase: "UK universities receive ten per cent of their research funding from the EU, amounting to just over £1 billion a year.
"Full membership of the funding body requires participating countries to allow free movement of people."
So the real "free movement" at issue is that of, er, money. Actually, the Professor Branestawms should relax. It was our cash all along. Britain is a net contributor to the EU budget. All the scientists need to do, after we leave the EU, is to persuade our democratically elected representatives to pony up the money.
Is it that they are really worried about?
- Reasons not to be cheerful
SOME people seem so convinced that the Leave vote is a terrible worry that they tie themselves in knots explaining why. Last week, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) published its May report, which declared that uncertainty during the month over the outcome of the EU referendum "caused demand for housing to fall".
Indeed, it fell to a three-year low.
Furthermore, the majority of estate agents expect that demand will fall again in the short term after the Leave vote. So will house prices.
Doubtless unfortunate for sellers and for estate agents, who are usually paid a percentage commission of the final price. But excellent news, surely, for those prepared to defy all this "uncertainty" and go house-hunting?
Indeed, as the NAEA itself points out, the proportion of sales to first-time buyers actually rose in May by one percentage point compared with April, to 27 per cent. That's good news, isn't it?
But the NAEA is not done worrying yet. Managing director Mark Hayward was determined to look on the dark side. Not only does the Leave vote make it less likely that international investors will put money into UK property – which "will have a knock-on effect on the house building sector, as investments may be delayed or put off completely" – but "there are simply not a sufficient number of homes available in this country to cater for everyone's needs" and the Leave vote "could impact the skills required to drive property developments in the UK", i.e. choke off the supply of migrant workers.
So there are more homes on the books because of less buying activity, which ought to be good news because we do not have enough homes to go round but is actually bad news because the reason for all this may mean fewer foreign investors and workers coming here. Or may not.
That all makes perfect sense.
- Unfortunate timing
THE Boris Johnson pull-out from the Tory leadership race came at the worst possible time for "the weeklies", The Spectator and New Statesman, both of which were on the news-stands Thursday morning, hours ahead of the announcement. True, they have websites these days that can update their readers pretty much round the clock, but it is not quite the same.
Meanwhile, The Economist, which hits the streets 24 hours later, managed to note the Conservative Party's convulsions. Nowhere to be seen, of course, were two weeklies long departed that I still miss: New Society (which ceased publication in 1988) and The Listener (deceased 1991).
I cannot help thinking that we fail to take good care of our periodicals in this country. While Britain was being told that the demise of Picture Post in 1957 was inevitable given the rise of television, it was hard not to notice that Paris Match was (and is) still going strong. Hats off to both Prospect and Standpoint for keeping the monthly flag flying and, yes, daily and Sunday newspapers have more depth than used to be the case, but the weekly scene seems thinner than it need be.
- Keep up the good work
A friend recalls that, many years ago, he and his then girlfriend (they have since happily married) enjoyed a drink and a brief chat in the living room of her flat before he suggested they move next door and get intimate. "I see," she replied in a good-humoured way. "So we've done that boring old 'talking' bit and now it's time to get my kit off?"
Unlike some, I am not rushing to judgment but I fear broadcasters in general and the BBC in particular feel they did that dull old "balance" thing during the referendum campaign and can now liven things up a bit. A shame if true, especially as the BBC admirably resisted pressure from some of its usual friends to become un-balanced on the ground that all the grand and important people and institutions favoured Remain, so giving equal time to Leave was actually unbalanced and bias would in fact prove un-biased.
The corporation was having none of it. Three cheers for that. It is a legacy to be proud of and to preserve.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
24 June 2016 7:02 PM
Saturday PS: A nation again
Wednesday had been quite extraordinarily humid in both London and Sussex, a bit like Singapore but without the ice-cold Tiger beers and excellent food. Wednesday night, the sky was rent with lightning and as much rain fell in six hours as is normal for the entire month of June.
Victoria Station was closed by flooding Thursday morning. No great loss, although it did mean I had to work from home. Oh, and I was able to collect my specs from Boots. And, of course, vote.
Heading into work on Friday morning, across the lovely east Surrey countryside, I wondered if Midsummer Day had ever seemed so beautiful. The humidity was gone. The sun shone, the air was fresh.
And something else, of course. The result of the vote – Brexit.
As with many, including many on the Remain side, I still can't believe we actually did it. An obvious comparison may be with May 2 1997, the day after the Tony Blair landslide. Indeed, I think a cycle of events that began with the Blair accession closed on the night of June 23 and June 24.
But this closure highlights the difference between the two events, not the similarities. The hype and hysteria surrounding Blair's first election victory was almost entirely confected. One crew of professional politicians had been exchanged for another. It wasn't even as if they disagreed about that much.
Comparisons with the collapse of the eastern bloc eight years earlier were just insulting. No-one took any "risks" in voting for New Labour. Nor, to be fair, did they in voting Leave. The point is that Blair's electoral triumphs represented a victory for the political class, while Brexit is a shattering defeat.
Confronted by the advice, admonitions and threats of the Treasury, Bank of England, assorted international bodies and huge corporations, the Leave voters clearly adapted to their own circumstances the attitude of radical documentary-maker Michael Moore, whose number-one reason for judging OJ Simpson to be innocent was quite straightforward: "Nothing the LA Police say should ever be believed."
The Leave victory should mark the end of the era of the Plausible Young Men, with their open-neck shirts, their abbreviated first names - Tony, Dave, Ed, Nick – and their inter-changeable viewpoints. As with the erratic downward movement of a curtain in a dilapidated theatre, the end has been coming slowly and jerkily since the last election, not least with Labour's preference for an older chap called Jeremy to a PYM called Andy (Burnham of that ilk). Now, the process ought to be complete. No-one is likely to accuse Boris of being a PYM, although some find him implausible.
Ah yes, Boris. Heading for bed on Thursday evening – I didn't have the stamina to stay up to watch what I was sure would be a defeat – I felt sorry for His (ex) Worship. Rather than take the commonly-held view that he had coldly and ruthlessly rolled the dice in an attempt to succeed Dave, I thought he had rather quixotically hitched his wagon to a lost cause and that his career would never recover.
Ten years from now, Boris, along with perhaps Priti Patel, Michael Gove, a couple of Labour outers and a supportive newspaper editor (now retired) would be sitting in a studio in Broadcasting House for an episode of The Reunion on Radio 4 hosted by Sue MacGregor. They would reminisce about the rough and the smooth of those "tumultuous" weeks of campaigning and a final question to each would be whether they regretted what they did, in light of the defeat.
Not at all, would come each's stout reply, with someone perhaps quoting Bernard Levin's observation that those on a sinking ship enjoy a camaraderie that the torpedo will never know.
I feel quite absurdly, ridiculously pleased that this is one radio programme that will never be made. And I've never voted for Boris for anything and I very much like listening to Sue MacGregor.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
17 June 2016 4:22 PM
Saturday PS: Swinging the axe
SO badly have the Treasury and Bank of England behaved during the referendum that a Leave vote ought to be followed in short order by the dismantling of both institutions.
The former should be shrunk to a conventional Ministry of Finance whose sole job would be to draw up an annual Budget that would raise the money needed to meet the spending commitments collectively agreed in Cabinet. No more trying to run education policy, transport policy or the Government's strategy for science and technology. The "imperial" Treasury would be no more.
Economic policy would be transferred to a beefed-up Business Department, re-united with its proper title of the Department of Trade and Industry.
The Bank would also be shrunk, not least in terms of its proliferating number of deputy governors (four at last count – not so long ago, the Bank tottered along with just the one) and executive directors (of whom there are 15).
This may all sound like one man's idle notions of revenge, which indeed is true. But I can't see it is any less substantial than David Cameron's Lear-like ramblings in The Mail on Sunday on June 5 about how he would make the Cabinet Out people "pay" for what they had done but wouldn't actually sack them. Whatever Dave is planning, it would be good were the Magnificent Seven – the six Cabinet Leavers plus Boris – to agree to serve only on a one-in all-in basis.
THE current European football tournament takes me back 20 years, when the run-up to Euro 96 saw London plastered with posters from a sportswear manufacturer featuring various well-known players from across the continent, practically salivating at the prospect of these sporting giants clashing on the pitch.
Alas, one by one they either failed to make their respective teams or under-performed woefully. It all became a bit of a joke.
Game for a laugh, as the England-Germany semi-final approached, the manufacturer in question rushed out a new poster cheering on England's opponents. That, said the strap at the bottom, ought to do for the Germans' chances.
On the same principle, my awful record of political forecasting (I've done rather better on the economy, but that is not the point) emboldens me to predict a win for Remain on Thursday, in the hope that this too will prove to be wrong. But I doubt it somehow.
That's not because I think Project Fear has been a roaring success. Rather, my take has always been that Remain is the "respectable" option. People Like Us vote Remain, while the Leave supporters are Not Quite Our Type Dear. Remain has the modern equivalent of the net curtains and fish-knives vote sewn up, the anxious-to-fit-in middle class. Supporting Remain is only right and proper for someone with a lower second from some place originally set up to train local government officers, with a job whose title includes the words "systems" or "support" and with a couple of foreign films on DVD. It is the political equivalent of joining a gym or signing up for a wine appreciation course.
Genteel people vote Remain. The only hope for Leave is that all the guff we have heard over the years about how Britain is "much less deferential" is actually true. I don't think it is.
And to end where we began, Germany still won the match in question.
FOR those taking the parochial view that the Orlando killings were somehow about people being murdered in Florida, our Caledonian friends provided a useful corrective on Tuesday, locating the real significance of the matter where it rightly belongs – in Scotland. Here was the venerable newspaper The Scotsman on Tuesday: "Scotland is not immune to the type of terrorist attack that saw 49 people gunned down in a gay nightclub in Florida by an Islamic extremist, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned."
Speaking of which, I may have missed it, but has David Cameron yet popped up to say that the Orlando murders "have nothing to do with Islam"? I was sure he would, and for those of us with a peculiar taste for watching Dave parrot the dissemblings of the British State, his apparent failure to do so creates the same sense of disappointment that would be felt by a steam enthusiast on learning that a fully restored locomotive (the Flying Scotsman, perhaps) will not after all be passing through their local station.
AN uncorrected advance proof arrives of a book due to be published next month. Viking Economics: How the Scandinavians Got It Right – and How We Can, Too by George Lakey (Melville House) takes an unusual angle on the "Nordic model". An American married to a Norwegian, Lakey focuses on how the Scandinavians manage to combine freedom with equality, the former being as important to him as the latter.
I am not sure they do manage this entirely successfully, and I feel also he is too blasé about the economic impact of immigration, which he seems to believe is entirely beneficial. At one point, he claims that immigration into Sweden started only once the country's "flirtation" with neo-liberal economics ended. Er George, old son - mass immigration is a neo-liberal policy.
Anyway, I haven't finished it yet, and it deserves to do well. But I am reminded of the pessimistic old saw that social democracy will always ultimately fail because for some reason social democrats assiduously undermine those factors that make it possible: ethnic/cultural homogeneity, a powerful work ethic and strong families.
Elsewhere in the empire of letters, a fine review (not just because he says nice things about us) of the new book from Robin Ramsay in Lobster. In the same issue, Robin exposes a proposal floating round the European Parliament to make "intolerance" a thought crime (sorry, "hate crime") and to pack juveniles found guilty of it off to re-education centres. Among the prohibited actions is to be "overt approval of a totalitarian ideology".
On clicking the link at the bottom of Robin's piece, I was sent this cheery message from the parliament: "Forbidden. You don't have permission to access /meetdocs/2009_2014/documents/ on this server."
Charming, eh? Remain doesn't seem to have made much of this exciting proposal from the EU's Supreme Soviet. I wonder why not.
THE June issue of Standpoint sees Douglas Murray browsing a bookshop in San Francisco and coming across a book written by "radical" gay authors opposed to same-sex marriage, which sounds rather like the spoof pressure group conjured up by Not the Nine O'Clock News, Nazis Against Fascism.
Writes Murray: "One essay begins: 'I'm a feminist, a Taoist, a sadomasochist, a femme, a nerd, a transperson, a Jew and a tattooed lady. I'm a certified Post Traumatic Stress Disorder survivor. I've got piercings in body parts I wasn't born with.'"
Which had me taking from the shelf Future Rock, by David Downing (Panther; 1976), a book I've had since school and which is showing its (and my) age. Comparing and contrasting David Bowie's 1974 album Diamond Dogs with its main source of inspiration, Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, Downing notes: "The characters, like Orwell's, are mentally 'ripped up and paralysed'. Unlike Orwell's, they wear their cataclysm proudly in their lapels."
Bowie's dystopia, he adds, "is just something that has happened, almost accidentally, and all the more frightening for its impersonality".
Yes, quite.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
10 June 2016 6:16 PM
Saturday PS: Growing up?
A radical thought, I know, but maybe this was the week that stock-market investors finally grew up.
They looked at what was seen as a rather downbeat speech from America's central bank, the Federal Reserve Board, about the outlook for the world economy, and they sold shares.
That's right. Sold.
This may sound unexceptional to anyone who has been living in a cave for the last eight years. Surely bad economic news ought to depress share prices?
Not in the mad, mad world in which we have been living since the financial crisis and the Great Recession. With central banks pumping the system full of cash to stave off an even worse downturn, any signs of a permanent recovery threatened to turn off the supply of money that had, inevitably, piled into assets such as shares.
Good news became bad news as the slightest sign of a sustained upturn brought closer the evil day on which interest rates would rise and the "quantitative easing" money-creation schemes be ended. Panic hit at the intolerable prospect of shares actually having to justify their valuations, rather than rise upwards on a warm surf of easy money.
No longer, it seems. Maybe markets have returned to adulthood.
But don't bet on it.
THERE was a story of a well-connected chap who, at the start of the war, enlisted in the Army – as a Brigadier. Challenged, he replied: "Well, I had to start somewhere."
I wrote this week for The Sun for the first time, the main feature on the leader page. Well, I had to…etc etc. It was an excellent opportunity to plug the new book (see below) and to put the boot, in the country's best-selling paper, into David Cameron's worthless "re-negotiation" of Britain's European Union membership.
THANKS to an advert in the April 7 edition of The New York Review of Books (yes, I am a slow reader) I am aware of a new book entitled Beating Hearts, by Sherry Colb and Michael Dorf, published by Columbia University Press. According to the accompanying quote: "This nuanced book clarifies how it is possible (indeed, how it is all but required) to be both pro-choice on abortion and fully committed to animal rights". Presumably some stick-in-the-muds had expressed surprise that one and the same person could be militantly bunny-hugging while showing little/no regard for the fate of unborn human children who, under American law, can be partly born and then have their heads cut off.
Perhaps Colb and Dorf are close to an Einsteinian breakthrough, a Unified Field Theory of Modishness. This will explain how all fashionable opinions are, however apparently contradictory, perfectly compatible: support for militant Islamists, for women's equality, for gay rights, for "cultural sensitivity", for green energy and the green belt along with opposition to "fuel poverty", to homelessness, to censorship.
All will be shown to fit together, like the beautifully intricate movements of a Swiss watch, or perhaps like one of those Brandenburg Concertos in which the listener wonders how on earth Bach will get himself out of this tangle yet everything resolves itself triumphantly.
DELIGHTED to see the Campaign for Real Ale (CaMRA) is wondering what to do next now that craft beers are busting out all over, in true June-ish fashion. Saving the British pub seems to be the next battle, a worthy objective.
My father had one of the first membership forms back in the early Seventies. CaMRA was (mostly) his kind of outfit, prizing authenticity in food and drink and deprecating innovations such as jukeboxes and bar billiards (such innocent times).
Just one thing stayed his hand from joining up. He didn't like real ale. As a young reporter, I would tip back cask ales while my father enjoyed what he called "proper chemical beer", i.e. cold keg bitter. Real Ale, he opined, was full of "fag ends and dormouse bones".
Probably not a CaMRA natural, all things considered.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
03 June 2016 1:40 PM
Saturday PS: Mapping things out
FINANCIAL paper City AM publishes also a glossy investment magazine called Money. The cover story of its May edition declares "Why investors shouldn't fear Brexit", this headline cleverly used to blot Britain (er, and Ireland) from the map of Europe.
But the UK does not seem to be the only potential splitter here. For ages, I couldn't work out what was nagging me about the map of the continent, and then I twigged – it had sprouted an extra country. I can't link to it here, but imagine France (green) to the left, followed by Belgium (yellow), Luxembourg (blue) and the Netherlands (pink). Then comes a sort-of buff-coloured Germany.
So what is this extra country in between, quite sizeable, coloured orange and stretching south from the Benelux nations to the northern Swiss border? Scrutiny with a magnifying glass appears to disclose the words "Allies [sic] Occupation". Doesn't the City AM newsroom run to a more recent map? Or is the paper trying to tell us something?
MEANWHILE, the cheap-labour lobby was meeting in Geneva the other day to present its demands to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Of course, it wasn't put quite like that. This was a "dialogue" between the WTO and the International Chamber of Commerce and "B20", a group of independent business organisations from across the Group of 20 leading economies.
Up top on the list of "elements raised" was some suitably soporific stuff about e-commerce rules, "investment facilitation" and improving trade conditions for smaller businesses. Second from the end of a total of 32 different points saw the WTO urged to work for "removing barriers to the free movement of people".
Publicity-shy are we, chaps?
Among firms represented were BT, Nestle and Samsung.
YOU have to ask whether we ought to believe anything the British State ever says. In recent days we have learned what some of us have long suspected, which is that the dietary advice it has been pumping out for 30-plus years has been wrong. We learned also that the panels of "experts" that produced the widely-ridiculed alcohol guidelines in January featured anti-drink fanatics. Tony Edwards gave these ghastly people what for in the Daily Mail on May 31. The June issue of Standpoint contained a real treat, eminent economist Tim Congdon ripping apart the worthless dodgy dossier on the costs of Brexit compiled by the Treasury, the one that hallucinated into existence the £4,300 "loss to every household" were Britain to reclaim its independence.
As he points out, the document in which this made-up rubbish appeared was supposed to be a White Paper. Not just lies, he says, but inept lies.
BE careful not to rattle off that over-the-top, of the moment piece that will be quoted years later when the particular bubble you are helping to inflate has long since burst. Think of the post-Diana, Tony Blair-inspired prattling about a "New Britain" that was "in touch with its feelings". Or the euphoria that greeted the UK's 1990 decision to join Europe's Exchange-Rate Mechanism. Or the "spirit of London 2012" that was going to inspire us all to be more sporty and active.
Or, on the subject of our capital city, "Swinging London" back in the Sixties.
This particular piece of puffery has since returned with a vengeance, of course, aided and abetted by candidates for the post of mayor, none of whom would dare blurt out the awful truth about the dirt, the crowds, the torture of trying to get anywhere during busy periods and the suburban shanty towns that go under the euphemistic title of "beds in sheds".
May 20 saw a classic piece of city pridefulness from Dylan Jones in the London Evening Standard. Here we learned: "London life is nowadays a lifestyle, a kaleidoscopic polyphonic theme park across 33 boroughs and nine travel zones…London deserves to be recognised as the most important city on earth." Furthermore, it ought to be a city-state.
Calm down dear. It's only another urban sprawl.
SOME years ago, scratching round for a new book project, Larry Elliott and I pondered a defence of the welfare state with the working title The Something for Nothing Society. Our central points were, first, that at any one time any one of us is just a millimetre away from a "black hole" happening – unemployment, ghastly illness, homelessness etc – and would need looking after and, second, that shallower misfortunes – "grey holes" – await millions either at birth or later in life and similarly ought to be mitigated by public action.
In the end we decided we lacked the expertise and ought to leave such a work to the likes of Nicholas Timmins, who had covered the subject for both The Independent and the Financial Times. We were right, because according to Jenni Russell in The Times on April 28, Robert Frank of Cornell University has written a fine-sounding book Success and Luck that picks up the same theme, but from the good-luck end of the telescope rather than the misfortune end.
Luck, always important, is more so in the globalised economy where rewards are even more disproportionate, he says.
I have been meaning for ages to mention the Jenni Russell piece, although her paper's admirable policy of not giving its journalists' work away for free would restrict access. Should you be able to read The Times on a news database or similar, I urge you to do so.
Meanwhile, hoping not to find News UK's copyright lawyers in hot pursuit, here's a couple of lines illustrating the case.
She recalls an interview with someone who "had spent seven years, seven days a week, building up a cash-and-carry business in the Midlands, employing 14 people, and expanding until a giant Tesco opened nearby". Curtains for the business.
"That was his one chance gone, he said. He would never amass the capital needed to start again."
Then there was the man "who had been sitting in his unremarkable lawyers' office in Palo Alto 18 years ago when two students wandered in, looking for a lawyer to set up a little company for them". They were Sergey Brin and Larry Page, founders of Google. He is now its chief legal officer, and is currently worth about half a billion quid.
ELSEWHERE in The Thunderer, Melanie Phillips gave the BBC both barrels on Tuesday for its apparently-adulterated version of Arthur Ransome's children's classic Swallows and Amazons. I particularly enjoyed her telling of how she loved these sailing, fishing and camping tales despite – or perhaps because of – growing up in a small flat in the Fifties with over-protective parents who would not have dreamed of granting her the outdoorsy freedoms enjoyed by the characters.
I sort-of know what she means. Sailing and endless camping were not on the menu during an early Seventies childhood in rural East Sussex, but there was fishing, some riding and a lot of larking about creating makeshift camps in woodland.
Illustrating the infectious effect of good writing on a child's imagination, I mentally transferred the "Peak in Darien" of the first chapter of Swallows and Amazons, a hillside overlooking a large lake, to a high point with a commanding view of the valley in which we lived. The S&A Peak, of course, takes its name from Darien in Panama. The S&A children borrowed the name from Keats's sonnet in which he imagines the team led by the explorer Cortez on first seeing the Pacific Ocean standing: "Silent, upon a peak in Darien."
Keats's sonnet is called On First Looking into Chapman's Homer. Keats is comparing the wonder he experienced on reading George Chapman's new translation to the way the explorers must have felt.
"So," said my eldest (who also loved the books) many years ago when I explained all this to him. "You had a Peak in Darien in Sussex that should really have been in the Lake District, where in fact it actually ought to have been in central America and the whole thing comes from a poem that isn't in fact about the Peak in Darien at all?"
He's bright, that lad.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
27 May 2016 4:28 PM
Saturday PS: Was their journey really necessary?
AS something of a connoisseur of meaningless, platitudinous pronouncements after international gatherings, I have to take my hat off to the authors of the Group of Seven communique issued on Friday.
Was there ever such an utterly pointless, drivelling official statement as that issued at the end of the G7 summit in the agreeable Japanese resort of Ise-Shima? Running to 32 pages, this steaming pile of cow-cake "covered", if that is the right word, everything from food and nutrition to girls' education (apparently the suits want them to study more science, although how it is any of their business is anyone's guess) to terrorism (the G7 is generally disapproving) to refugees to corruption, climate change and energy to health ("we commit to take concrete actions for advancing global health" – I'm feeling better already).
Oh yes, and the G7 finds time to address economic concerns. Well, "address" is putting it a little strongly because they cannot agree on whether or not this is the right time for a big fiscal expansion. Germany says no.
Anyway, the G7 declared: "Global growth is our urgent priority." In true Yes, Minister, fashion, they get the difficult bit out the way right at the start. They then come up with precisely no solid proposals for promoting growth, after which they can witter happily about maritime security, climate change, women, nuclear security, human rights and protectionism (evils of).
America's Associated Press was, I feel, far too kind: "A sweeping declaration from the meeting at a scenic Japanese seaside resort addressed a universe of global and regional challenges, a breadth not matched by a depth of concrete measures."
Too true.
NEWSPAPER advertisements in the early Eighties asked: "Why does the Health Education Authority want us to eat more bread?" Sometimes "bread" was replaced with "potatoes". The question was pertinent. Anyone aged about 20 or over would have been raised to believe that bread and potatoes were pretty much the first savoury foodstuffs one gave up when dieting. Now the gentleman in Whitehall wanted us to fill up.
This was, of course, a major turn in the road in terms of dietary advice from the British State. Stodge – bread, potatoes, pasta – was good. Fat was bad. Carbohydrates were the tops.
All these years later, we have, apparently, an obesity crisis. Any connection? The National Obesity Forum thinks so. On Monday, Professor David Haslam, the forum's chairman, said: "As a clinician treating patients all day every day, I quickly realised that guidelines from on high suggesting high carbohydrate, low-fat diets were the universal panacea, where deeply flawed.
"Current efforts have failed, the proof being that obesity levels are higher than they have ever been, and show no chance of reducing despite the best efforts of government and scientists."
Needless to say, there was a furious reaction from the rest of the State's diet establishment and claims that the forum had been irresponsible.
Just one thought. During the last 30 years, people have spent a fortune on books promoting the Atkins and Montignac diets, nutritional regimes that mirror exactly what the forum is now saying. The State's contrary advice during all those years was, of course, free of charge.
Or "worthless" may be a better description.
MY old school, known to readers as "Queen Jane's" in the countryside of that little-known local authority, Very East Hampshire, has been reminiscing through its alumni publication about the days when it boasted its own sub-Post Office (it closed in 1981, apparently, two years after I departed).
Don't feel too sorry for "QJ" – it still has a railway station and its own postcode district, as you tend to do when total land holdings are well over 1,000 acres (or they were in my day, anyway). But the pic of the old Post Office brought back happy memories, not of posting letters so much as browsing the small but responsibly chosen carousel of paperbacks.
In the summer of 1976, I actually bought one – an edition of Ernest H.'s classic For Whom the Bell Tolls. Come 2008 and I actually read it all the way through.
One shortcoming of this fine establishment was that it did not sell cigarettes. Happily, in those pre-rationalisation days, there was another sub-Post Office a short walk away, off school property, that was only too happy to dispense these requisites
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the bank holiday weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson is published by Yale University Press
20 May 2016 6:43 PM
Saturday PS: Cargo cult
SOMETHING struck me recently while reading and talking to economists who favour a Remain vote next month. Not only do very few seem to be Euro-idealists in the traditional sense, waxing lyrical about "a community of values" or "social solidarity", but they do not appear to be wildly interested in any economic issue in relation to the European Union other than trade.
The key matter at stake, apparently, is "market access", i.e. hanging on to the UK's laissez-passer into the 28-nation single market. Yes, some of them are keen also on the EU's ability to enforce environmental regulations, others its clout in taking cases to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), others still like its trust-busting competition enforcement.
But again and again, the focus is on our being inside what is not only a customs union but (in theory at least) a zone of unified regulations, technical specifications and consumer protection.
What's wrong with that, you may ask? Are economists not simply mad about trade tout court? That is the whole point. This is not really about the EU referendum. Economists by and large are true believers in the benefits of freer, expanding trade, defined as commercial traffic among different countries.
As the splendid Cambridge economist – and one of the few to stand outside this consensus - Ha-Joon Chang has noted, economists are allowed to disagree on lots of things but one sure way to demonstrate that you are not a serious member of the profession is to question the desirability of free trade.
All of which is a little surprising. Forty years ago, economists were not so obviously trade-focused. I do not recall, for example, the great John Kenneth Galbraith devoting a disproportionate amount of time to the subject. Economists were interested in a range of matters, employment bulking large, along with industrial output.
For others, the hot topics related to tax and, of course, a number devoted their time to the study of prices and inflation.
Now, we – individuals and governments – are exhorted to embrace the joys of world trade and to throw off fuddy-duddy ideas about protecting national industries and "losing out" in trade deals. Everyone's a winner!
Indeed, we are told, buying a car or a piece of furniture made in Germany or Vietnam is no different from buying one made in Britain. Got that? No different.
Sure. In which case, why are we supposed to be so worried that the previous rate of growth of world trade seems to have slowed down? What does it matter? Buy something from Birmingham, buy something from KL or Singapore – who cares?
But care we do. The agenda for the Group of Seven rich nations, meeting in Japan next week, has "weakening trade" right near the top of its worry list.
We heard this on April 7 from WTO director-general Roberto Azevêdo: "Trade is still registering positive growth, albeit at a disappointing rate. This will be the fifth consecutive year of trade growth below three per cent."
The so-what? factor in all this seems to be strictly one way. When world trade is increasing, with negative consequences for people in assorted domestic industries, that is just too bad, this is the way things are. When world trade is in the doldrums, it is a huge problem that the great and the good need to sort out.
I suspect that it has become something of an ideology.
- Don't ask for his lottery numbers
LAST week we heard that Ryanair's chief executive Michael O'Leary has warned that the budget airline will be forced to scale back British investment if the country votes to leave the European Union. The intrepid birdman was appearing on a platform with George Osborne, who is allegedly still the Chancellor despite his other commitments, at Stansted Airport,
Apparently, he said that inward investment will be lost to competitor EU member states such as Ireland and Germany if Britain votes for Brexit.
Let's go back to March 23 2007, when Radio 4's Any Questions? was broadcast from Dublin, with the bargain airline captain as one of the panel members. From the transcript, we learn that part-way through the programme, the panel was asked: 'Will the British government ever grow up and adopt the euro currency?'
Mr O'Leary declared: 'Absolutely … I think in time, yes, it's inevitable.'
With this forecasting record, would he not be better advised to stick to the running of his delightfully-unpretentious airline service?
- The harder they fall
LIKE old heavyweights returning to the scene of a knock-out triumph, Britain's health fascists keep trying to relive their one unalloyed victory: passive smoking. Once they established that one person's smoke could harm someone who had chosen not to smoke, the way was clear for sweeping bans on the habit.
Onward to the next opportunity to tell people what to do and order their lives for them! Alas, other targets have, proved more elusive, beyond the routine trotting out of highly dubious numbers about the "cost" to the NHS and to the economy of the sinful behaviour in question.
The trouble is that there really appears to be no equivalent to passive smoking in all the things the health fascists want to ban. There is, for example, no such thing as "passive drinking".
To try to get round this – to find a way back to the cheering crowds at Madison Square Garden – they try to lump together various "harms" (as with "equalities", always suspect someone who pluralises what is usually a singular noun) in the hope that they will add up to something of equivalent ban-worthiness.
In the Daily Mail on Thursday, we learned that "leading experts" had published an editorial in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology that declared: 'In addition to the health effects that alcohol is known to have on the individual drinker, a wide range of harms [!] are inflicted on others and the burden on society at large needs to be considered.
'A bystander, friend, colleague or family member could be injured through violence or an accident, or an unborn child harmed by its mother's drinking during pregnancy.
'Families might be affected financially or through neglect, workplaces by decreased productivity and absenteeism, and whole communities by crime, disorder and the public money spent on alcohol-related health care and policing."
With one exception, none of these misfortunes can be said to originate solely in the consumption of alcohol. Criminal behaviour is to be punished whatever its cause (drink driving does not contradict this principle because the offence itself is the presence of alcohol in the blood, rather than being a crime that is allegedly made more likely because of drinking).
Families may be neglected anyway. Workplaces may be unproductive regardless. Accidents happen.
The one exception is the potential damage to an unborn child harmed by its mother's drinking. Yes, half a point there. But I think it is fair to say that the attitude of society towards unborn children is a little ambivalent, not least among the "healthcare professionals". It was this week, of course, that the Royal College of Abortionists (formerly Midwives) demanded no legal time limits at all when it comes to terminations.
- Miscellany into the weekend
I meant for ages to plug this excellent piece by Christian Wolmar in the New Statesman on April 10 explaining why the driverless car is simply not going to happen. I was reminded of it today when trying to pay a cheque into an automatic deposit machine at the bank – it took great exception to the fact that said cheque had been folded, thus rejected it. The human teller was happy to oblige.
Meanwhile, I see the EU has banned, along with packets of ten cigarettes, the old "half ounce" of rolling tobacco, fondly remembered from my teens. This became 12.5 grams on metrication, but the smallest pack size now is to be 30 grams, presumably to deter youngsters. Cheerier was the sight on the train of an advert for Listerine mouthwash. Whenever I gargle this fine product, it brings back memories of anxiously getting ready for dates in my late teens and early 20s, paranoid about bad breath.
The current slogan is: "Brings out the bold."
Yes. Sometimes it did.
Thanks again for reading and enjoy the weekend.
Europe Isn't Working by Larry Elliott and Dan Atkinson will be published this month by Yale University Press
Comment and Blog >
This is Money
Recent Posts
- Saturday PS: On holiday until August 6
- Saturday PS: The economics of being a bit rubbish
- Saturday PS: Let's call the whole thing off
- Saturday PS: No end of a carnival
- Saturday PS: A nation again
- Saturday PS: Swinging the axe
- Saturday PS: Growing up?
- Saturday PS: Mapping things out
- Saturday PS: Was their journey really necessary?
- Saturday PS: Cargo cult
- Saturday PS: They didn't care then and they don't now
- Saturday PS: Together at the back of the queue
- Saturday PS: Heads he wins...
- Saturday PS: What goes round
- Saturday PS: Send for the Viscount
Recent Comments
- LOVE thiscard on The Gourmet Society Dining Card: Is it any good?
- Pauline Smith on Why I dread a trip to the opticians
- JEFF on NatWest is the worst bank in the WORLD!!!
- carolyn on Don't get fooled by this tax refund scam
- Ellen on NatWest is the worst bank in the WORLD!!!
- Phil Lloyd on The Gourmet Society Dining Card: Is it any good?
- adam on Thinking of shopping at Brighthouse? Think again
- Lionel on Thinking of shopping at Brighthouse? Think again
- Alan McMahon on NatWest is the worst bank in the WORLD!!!
- dancer 1 on The Gourmet Society Dining Card: Is it any good?
- Ruth Charlton on Thinking of shopping at Brighthouse? Think again
- Nicola on NatWest is the worst bank in the WORLD!!!
- Dee on My torrent of abuse from an eBay seller
- Ross on Cancel Sky TV and save £21 a month
- Kelly on www.whocallsme.com - who is that mystery caller?
- Beryl Russell on Don't get fooled by this tax refund scam
- Kirsty on Thinking of shopping at Brighthouse? Think again
- anthony mcguinness on Thinking of shopping at Brighthouse? Think again
- Eleanor on The Gourmet Society Dining Card: Is it any good?
- shaun henry on Thinking of shopping at Brighthouse? Think again
Blogs We Like
- Author: Adrian Lowery
- Author: Dan Atkinson
- Author: Ed Monk
- Author: Jeff Prestridge
- Author: Lee Boyce
- Author: Richard Browning
- Author: Richard Dyson
- Author: Simon Lambert
- Author: Tanya Jefferies
- Author: Tara Evans
- Author: Toby Walne
- Broadband & phones
- City & business
- Credit cards & loans
- Customer service
- Debt
- Economy, City & rates
- Funny money
- Green & ethical spending
- Guest author
- Holidays, bills & cars
- House prices & property
- Insider's view
- Insurance
- Interest rates
- Investing
- It drives me crazy...
- Lauren Thompson
- Making money
- Money saving, earning & spending
- Pensions & retirement
- Religion
- Salaries
- Saving, investing & banking
- Spending it
- The Great Depression


text:
Police search for change thiefJune 25,2014Police search for
change thief
ORWELL Police are searching for a man who stole about $6,300 worth of rolled coins from a home in town.
Vermont State Police didnt say where in town the theft occurred but police did say the coins were stolen from an unattached and unsecured garage next to a home.
Police didnt say what kind of rolled coins were stolen.
Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call state police at 388-4919.MORE IN This Just In
MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Police arrested Ronald Bean, 52, on two counts of... Full StoryMore than 26,000 people were without power when severe thunderstorms rolled through the state in... Full Story A Rutland man was allegedly drunk and playing Pokémon Go when he crashed his... Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed

subset: commoncrawl


text: News For Two Young Sanders Delegates, All Politics Is New - Even Voting For President By Howard Wilkinson • 21 hours ago Howard Wilkinson / WVXU PHILADELPHIA – For many of the older delegates at the Democratic National Convention, the ones with many conventions under their belts, the discord between the Hillary Clinton camp and the Bernie Sanders camp is old hat. Ohio's Oldest Delegate Makes Debut On National TV Monday Night By Howard Wilkinson • 22 hours ago Howard Wilkinson / WVXU PHILADEPHIA - When the first evening session of the Democratic National Convention opens Monday night, 93-year-old Ruby Gilliam of the little town of Minerva in Carroll County, Ohio, will be on the stage in front of a nationwide television audience. Democratic National Convention Begins In Philadelphia By Maryanne Zeleznik • Jul 25, 2016 The Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Cleveland. WVXU's Politics Reporter Howard Wilkinson talks with News Director Maryanne Zeleznik about what to expect. New Pet Treatment Can Cure Cancer In Dogs and Cats By Ann Thompson • Jul 25, 2016 Ann Thompson / WVXU Listen Listening... / 3:50 Bindi, an Australian Koolie, American Bulldog, and Golden Retriever mix, has a happy home with Richard Hussey, as long as she remains an Ohio State Buckeye. An Ohio State bandana never comes off her neck and she is trained to spin to OH-IO, a popular Buckeye chant. Hussey adopted the rescue dog a year ago and some months later noticed a growth on her nose was getting larger. The bump was a cancerous tumor. Teams Scrambling To Find New Practice Sites By Ann Thompson • Jul 25, 2016 Michael Keating / WVXU Listen Listening... / 0:52 With the upcoming demolition of the Cincinnati Gardens, eleven high school hockey teams, the Cincinnati Rollergirls and the Cincinnati Curling Club are scouting out new practice facilities. Cincinnati Officials Already Seeking Suggestions For Next Budget By Jay Hanselman • Jul 22, 2016 City of Cincinnati Cincinnati residents can now go online to offer suggestions for neighborhood projects they think should be funded in the next city budget. Hippos Say Hello By Ann Thompson • Jul 21, 2016 Ann Thompson / WVXU Listen Listening... / 0:51 Henry, the Cincinnati Zoo's new male hippo, did some heavy duty courting Thursday, the opening day of Hippo Cove. He's been by himself for 20 years at another zoo and is now joined by female, Bibi. Zookeepers say, however, she's in charge and tires of Henry chasing her around. Rare Thomas Jefferson Letter Finds New Home At UC By Tana Weingartner • Jul 21, 2016 Provided / University of Cincinnati Nearly 200 years ago, a student at Cincinnati College wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson asking about a particular Polish general from the Revolutionary War. Jefferson wrote back, and his response is being donated - along with that student's thesis - to the University of Cincinnati. Top Democrats Weigh in on RNC Speeches By Jo Ingles • Jul 21, 2016 Jo Ingles / Ohio Public Radio Some top Ohio Democrats say they want to make sure messages at the Republican National Convention they claim are false, are corrected. Looking Ahead At The Final Day Of The Republican National Convention By Maryanne Zeleznik • Jul 21, 2016 Thursday is the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Delegates will hear from nominee Donald Trump as he accepts their nomination. But first, WVXU's Politics Reporter Howard Wilkinson talks with News Director Maryanne Zeleznik to wrap up Wednesday's events and chat about what local delegates have on the day's agenda. Pages1 2 3 4 … next › last »


text: AdChoices Terms of Use Privacy Policy Hide TOP 10 Top 10 Dating Nightlife Date Essentials Share Tweet 0 Shares 8. Fashion Idea - Leather Jacket ASOS A high-quality, well-constructed leather jacket has serious sex appeal and is the calling card of a man who knows how to seize the day (or night). The important points to remember when shopping are that fit is everything and you typically get what you pay for. The jacket should adhere closely to your body but still have a little breathing room. It should also be sleek and simple enough to pair with all kinds of tops and bottoms. Next Page TOP 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Comments Share your opinion Your name More Like This Top 10 Dating Sorry, You're Not A Real Man Unless You Can Do These 10 Things Read More Top 10 Entertainment The 10 Greatest Film Trilogies Of All Time Read More Top 10 Entertainment 10 Surprising Uses For Drones You Never Knew About Read More Top 10 Better Man The 10 Most Ridiculous Myths In The World, Debunked Read More Top 10 Travel 10 Honeymoon Destinations That Will Win You Brownie Points For Life Read More Top 10 Dating 10 Scientific Reasons Why Having More Sex Is Good For Your Health Read More Around the Web Special Features Special Feature The Ultimate Guide To Hooking Up Online Read More Guy Gear The Best Watches Under $500 Read More


text:
Much to The Delight of Sexy Nerds Everywhere, Lisa Loeb Develops Her Own Eyewear Line
Dallas' Lisa Loeb is known for a few things -- talking "so" all the time, only hearing what she wants to, thinking that she can leave and later realizing that she was wrong, thinking that what she feels is simple -- but, most of all, she's probably known for her glasses, which she's been seen in pretty much constantly since the release of her 1993 breakthrough, Reality Bites-backed single, "Stay (I Missed You)."
So, no surprise here then: Loeb's now launching an eyewear company called, you guessed it, Lisa Loeb Eyewear.
And, next week, she'll be celebrating the launch of her new venture with a performance right here in her hometown.
On Thursday, April 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Jack's Backyard in Oak Cliff, she will perform an intimate acoustic set to bring in the new eyewear line with a huzzah, and also to benefit her Camp Lisa Foundation. Suggested cover is $5.
Upcoming Events
Kelsea Ballerini
TicketsSat., Jul. 30, 7:31pm
Give Back To The Badge, A Benefit Concert And Bull-riding Event
TicketsSun., Jul. 31, 2:00pm
Kraig Parker
TicketsSun., Jul. 31, 3:00pm
Meghan Trainor: The Untouchable Tour
TicketsSun., Jul. 31, 7:00pm
Steven Tyler
TicketsMon., Aug. 1, 8:00pm
According to this flier, there will be cupcakes there, too.
Anyway, speaking of area songstresses with a flair for fashion, this reminds us: What ever happened to that jewelry line Erykah Badu was supposed to be working on?
Get the Music Newsletter
Keep your thumb on the local music scene each week with music news, trends, artist interviews and concert listings. We'll also send you special ticket offers and music deals.
In Case You Missed It
Upcoming Events
Hip Hop Hooray
TicketsFri., Jul. 29, 9:00pm
Jill Scott
TicketsFri., Jul. 29, 9:00pm
Rascal Flatts - Rhythm & Roots Tour
TicketsSat., Jul. 30, 7:30pm
The Black Crowes Tribute Crowe Showe
TicketsFri., Jul. 29, 8:30pmpowered by goldstar
Popular Stories
Sponsor Content


text:
About this Business
From Our Editors
Try This: Smoked Shrimp
"That doesn't sound like a good idea. I'm against it." Anthony Bourdain wasn't quite buying the concept of smoked shrimp. All that changed, however, when he visited Calumet Fisheries for his show No Reservations and took his first bite. That's because the shrimp has the perfect amount of smokiness, enhancing, rather than shrouding, its natural sweetness.
It should come as no surprise that Calumet Fisheries knows what it's doing. After all, the shop was started in 1928, when it was run by current owner Mark Kotlick's father and uncle. Shrimp emerged as the house specialty over the years, and the team still smokes these tasty crustaceans in a shack right outside. Cherry wood and white oak creates smoke that engulfs the shrimp and wafts out toward customers, who usually enjoy their meals in their cars or—when it's nice out—on the nearby bridge.


text:
K.K. Downing Retires
Yay for first news post!
Sad, sad news. I wonder if there are any health issues that prompted it. Interested to see the dude who takes over for him play though.
Really bad news but gotta wish him all the best. Perhaps this does herald the end of Priest after all. Definitely a bummer, the band's classic material is nigh on untouchable and KK was instrumental (no pun intended) in such accomplishments.
This is really annoying! My favourite member of the band too. Thank fuck I saw them on their last tour though.
That sucks, metal just lost a hugely influential guitar player.
Digging: Gas - Pop
Judas Priest have been a ghost of themselves for nearly 20 years now.
That sucks even more compared to Downing's retirement.
K.K. ad Glenn Tipton were one of the best Heavy Metal guitar duos ever.
Digging: Clams Casino - 32 Levels
With this happening perhaps they should have quit, without Downing, Tipton or Halford, Priest really isn't quite Priest. No offence to Ian Hill, who has been rocking the bass since the beginning.
This sucks, the guy was great.
Damn, man's a fucking legend.
I second Nagrarock. Seeing Priest live without Downing (on their Epitaph tour nontheless) just wouldn't feel right. Would've been nice to see him finish the shows with the rest of the band, but at the same time they've given us more than enough to deserve personal time.
I'm going to write him a letter asking if I can have his Engl.
they were so great live when i saw them two years ago
Digging: Bulldozer - The final separation
K.K. and Glenn Tipton were one of the best Heavy Metal guitar duos ever.[2]
Sucks, but they toured their asses off for years, so I don't blame him for wanting to retire.
Tipton is crying himself to sleep.
But Rush still has to tour North America. :/
Yeah, I can't miss them again. And dude...!
Styx and Yes coming this summer. Gonna rule.
Yeah, I was skeptical about going when I heard Anderson wasn't going to be in the lineup, but I've heard pretty good things about the guy they're touring with. And the keyboardist they're using is tops. I like Styx enough to sit through their set.
Yeah, I want a Rush and Yes tour, but I don't see it in the cards.
And Camel.
Their last album came out in 2002, and it was actually pretty good. Better than any classic prog band still releasing albums, really.
Digging: Arizmenda - Beneath This Reality of Flesh
dude the guys in camel what are they even up to
Speaking of that, when is Clockwork Angels coming out?
I would say A Nod and a Wink is better than any album Rush has released since the '80s.
At least Chad Kroeger is still alive
Don't see why everyon'e all bent out of shape for this, he's such a painfully mediocre guitarist. Everyone knows that Converge has a much better guitarist, I mean KK pales in comparison to Kurt Ballou.
But Kurt's still cool.
WTF i was rocking to priest so hard actually enjoyign life and i see this bullshit FUCK
yeah its sad bro
Digging: Silver Jews - American Water
This sucks.
some like this guy more than glenn tipton, so i hear
both are METAL GODS
The sad wings of destiny indeed
• Michael Gira Accused of Rape• R.I.P. Lemmy• R.I.P. David Bowie• Scott Weiland dead at 48 • The Story So Far's vocalist dropk..• Rush drummer retires• Killswitch Engage debut new single• Brand new Brand New Single• Deftones stream new single• Riverside guitarist dies
• New A Day To Remember Song• New Alter Bridge Single• Nails on hiatus• Manson announces new album• Départe Unleash New Track• Dir en Grey Keep It Weird• New Jesu/Sun Kil Moon album• Present Paradox Live Recording• Ghost Hall releases new video• Vicious Rumors post new video• Kashee Opeiah stream demos• Daniel Lioneye returns with 3rd a..• ADBOK new album and song• Oceans Blazed Alaska• New The Pineapple Thief Single» see all news
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


text:
Fresh off a school-record 12-win season, the University of Missouri football program has followed up with an outstanding group of talented student-athletes who have signed national letters of intent to attend and play football for Mizzou.
Click here for the original story.
Welcome to SECTalk.com
|Welcome to SECTalk.com -- The Home of 6 Straight National Titles!
You are currently accessing our site as a guest which means you can't access all of our features such as social groups, sports betting, and many more. By joining our free community you will have access to all of these great features as well as to participating in our forums, contacting other members, and much more. Registration only takes a minute and SECTalk.com is absolutely free, so please join today!
If you have any problems registering or signing in, please contact us.
Latest Topics
Latest News
Top Bettors
Top High Fived
Mizzou Announces 2014 Football Signing Class
Started by SECTalk.com, Feb 05 2014 02:54 PM
Similar Topics
|Started By
|Last Post Info
Mizzou Recruiting-the Barry Odom Era
Started by Mizzou_Fan, Yesterday, 11:09 AM In: SEC Sports → SEC Recruiting
- 2 replies
- 97 views
Mizzou Recruiting
Started by URHatinIt, 05 Dec 2011 In: SEC Sports → SEC Recruiting
- 0 replies
- 18,886 views
Mizzou's AD leaves for........baylor??
Started by cocky4ever, 14 Jul 2016 In: SEC Sports → SEC Football Talk
- 4 replies
- 187 views
Dores blank Mizzou to open SEC Tournament
Started by SECTalk.com, 24 May 2016 In: The East → Vanderbilt Sports → Vanderbilt News
- 0 replies
- 119 views
Vols Drop Series Finale at Mizzou, 8-3
Started by SECTalk.com, 01 May 2016 In: The East → Tennessee Sports → Tennessee News
- 0 replies
- 179 views


text:
Creek Week is an annual community event celebrating our local creeks and the ocean with many local groups sponsoring events to help build awareness and stewardship of the natural treasures of Santa Barbara.
Visit www.sbcreekweek.com for the full schedule, and like us on Facebook to keep up to date on Creek Week developments!
Share your Creek Week photos on Instagram - tag with #sbcreekweek to add to our slideshow here!


text:
Mizzou baseball failed to complete the sweep of No. 20 Auburn, falling 7-3, in the series finale on Saturday afternoon (March 29) at Plainsman Park. After winning the first two games of the series, Mizzou gave up 16 hits in the loss and falls to 13-13 on the season and 3-6 in SEC play. Mizzou ace Brett Graves (St. Charles, Mo.) was on the hill as the Tigers went for the sweep, but he struggled, taking the loss after allowing 13 hits and six earned runs, both season-highs for the junior righty.
Click here for the original story.
Welcome to SECTalk.com
|Welcome to SECTalk.com -- The Home of 6 Straight National Titles!
You are currently accessing our site as a guest which means you can't access all of our features such as social groups, sports betting, and many more. By joining our free community you will have access to all of these great features as well as to participating in our forums, contacting other members, and much more. Registration only takes a minute and SECTalk.com is absolutely free, so please join today!
If you have any problems registering or signing in, please contact us.
Latest Topics
Latest News
Top Bettors
Top High Fived
Mizzou Falls in Series Finale at No. 20 Auburn, 7-3
Started by SECTalk.com, Mar 29 2014 01:00 PM
Similar Topics
|Started By
|Last Post Info
Mizzou Recruiting-the Barry Odom Era
Started by Mizzou_Fan, 27 Jul 2016 In: SEC Sports → SEC Recruiting
- 2 replies
- 107 views
Mizzou Recruiting
Started by URHatinIt, 05 Dec 2011 In: SEC Sports → SEC Recruiting
- 0 replies
- 18,893 views
Mizzou's AD leaves for........baylor??
Started by cocky4ever, 14 Jul 2016 In: SEC Sports → SEC Football Talk
- 4 replies
- 188 views
Dores blank Mizzou to open SEC Tournament
Started by SECTalk.com, 24 May 2016 In: The East → Vanderbilt Sports → Vanderbilt News
- 0 replies
- 120 views
Vols Drop Series Finale at Mizzou, 8-3
Started by SECTalk.com, 01 May 2016 In: The East → Tennessee Sports → Tennessee News
- 0 replies
- 180 views


text:
buy cialis online No, not Mitt Romney. Google has paid nearly nothing in taxes over the last few years: Google Inc. cut its taxes by $3.1 billion in the last three years using a technique that moves most of its foreign profits through Ireland and the Netherlands to Bermuda. Google's income shifting — involving strategies… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Obaam supporter stupidity
Recent Posts
Active Discussions


text:
Tool Design
CNC Machining
Product Development
Quality Control
Production Stamping
Production Machining
Welcome to our web site; if this is your initial visit please allow me to introduce you to our group of manufacutring sites in southern Ontario.
Port Colborne Division:
Established in 1977, our Port Colborne facility is one of the largest die sinking companies in Canada.
We offer a comprehensive die sinking and trimmer-making service from
and the supply of blueprints through to
carefully inspected
tools and casts, which are shipped complete with inspection reports. Our facility at 39 Prosperity Avenue Port Colborne On L3K 5X5 is a modern 12000 square foot building equipped with state-of-the-art die sinking equipment. Our skilled trades people are experienced in all facets of tool and die making; we are also involved in custom fabrication for many different industrial applications.
Our central location, just mintues from the US border crossing at Buffalo, plus technological advances in communications, have made it very convenient to offer our services across the continent. Our American customers acknowledge that they experience significant savings using our services. The favorable exchange rate, in conjunction with our expertise in this industry makes SMG Inc. the optimum choice for your tooling requirements.
Welland Division:
We increased our capacity with the addition of a second facility, located at 60 Udine Avenue in Welland Ontario. This 15,000 square foot plant houses our stamping and production machining department, where a variety of automotive components are produced. The highly competitive global market for this typpe of industry deictates that we must remain on the cutting edge of manufacturing and design. Plant 2 is a 24 hour/7 day operation, employing a large group of production machine operators, supported by a team of highly skilled Tool & Die Makers, General Machinists, Lathe Machinists, and Quality Managers.
Seneca Division:
Conveniently located just off the QEW in St. Catharines you will find our Seneca Stamping Division at 7 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara on the Lake Onatrio L0S 1J0. This modern 75,000 square foot manufacturing site houses dozens of Stampng Presses, ranging from 50 Ton up to 350 Ton. Our established workforce, with over 40 years' experience, services the Automotive Sector with prototype, short run and high wolume production stamping contracts.
Barrie Division:
Lastly, at our Barrie location we offer screw-type production machining, specializing in aluminum and stainless steel machiniing of customs hardware for the automotive sector.
I would welcome the opportunity to bid on any production, stamping or tooling which may be available for tender. If you should like to find out more about our capabilities here a SMG Inc. Group, please click through our site, or contact me at 289-668-3837or
I look forward to speaking with you in the future.
Yours Truly,
George Maxwell
General Manager
© North American Tool & Die


text: Rarely do you think about the item that holds your keys all day, but they are essential to your life so shop Zazzle's Copan keychain page for all of your needs. Shop all of our great designs, images, photos, and text added to our marketplace by our designer community. You'll find Copan keychains in many different styles, like metal, acrylic, button, and wrist and you'll also find different sizes like round, rectangle, and square. Get a Copan keychain you'll love from us!


text:
Copyright © 2016 Interactive One, LLC . All Rights Reserved - Interactive One Women.
All Rights Reserved
Powered by WordPress.com VIP
BUY TICKETS HERE For a LIMITED time only: Groups of 20 or more or eligible for the group sales discount…
Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.
Join 4,966 other followers


text:
The beginning of a new era is approaching Saudi Arabia as it officially presents its "Vision 2030", a plan for a post-oil economy. It will dedicate a whopping US$2 trillion toward a Public Investment Fund, which will be the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world and will help the country […]Continue Reading →
Early in the morning of 29 February 2016, José Antonio González Anaya, PEMEX's Director General voiced a message to investors in the Mexican oil and gas industry, delineating PEMEX's new Adjustment Program. He began by placing this seemingly drastic measure into a global context of low oil prices, highlighting the fact […]Continue Reading →
Although the rumors have been around for a few days now, just a few minutes ago, it was made official: Emilio Lozoya Austin renounced his position as Director General of PEMEX. José Antonio González Anaya, now the former Director General of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) will be replacing Lozoya as head of […]Continue Reading →
As taboo as this idea may be, analysts and professionals from the oil and gas industry would be lying if they said it had never popped into their head that maybe the solution to PEMEX's problems would be to privatize the company and float some of its shares. The NOC is crumbling in debt, with […]Continue Reading →
The Energy Mexico 2016 Oil Gas Power event took place in Mexico City from January 26-28. We hope you learned as much as we did and were able to enjoy some of the lovely Dutch waffles at our stand in the exhibition room!
n case you missed some of the talks or could not attend […]Continue Reading →
PEMEX's struggles are no news for the Mexican oil and gas industry, but things are getting worse as the oil prices keep dropping, pulling down with them the global oil and gas industry. For now, it seems, there is no way out. On the 21st of January, when Brent Crude stood at US$28.38 per […]Continue Reading →


text:
Halo Wars: Strategic Options Add-on Pack now on Live
The Halo Wars: Strategic Options Add-on Pack is now available on Xbox Live.
It contains the three new game modes: Keepaway which is a capture the flag game; Tug of War sees who can field and maintain the strongest army; and Reinforcements allows you to adapt your tactics with waves of troops.
The add-on will run you 800 MS Points ($10).
More from The Major here.
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. For more information, go here.


text:
Return to SwingLifeStyle.com The Swingers Home Page
There are a total of 769 Berks swingers, within 100 miles.
The list below is a subset of the swingers in the Berks area.
Create a free swingers account so you can see and write to them all.
hot, exotic, wild, female looking for pleasurable fun
Hit us up if you want to have fun.....she loves BBC!
Ready for more fun this year! ;)
Bi curious MILF looking for FWB fun
Single male just looking for some fun times
Wanting to experience new things
Star Wars and sex
Sexy couple looking for MFF Threesome
Educated experienced low stress and fu
horny older guy wanting to give and get pleasure hot is better than cool
Tempt Me 2B Wild
dont be shy just say hi!
Curious Couple, looking for fun!
sexual fun???All kinds!!
Life is too short not to live!
New to this, want to learn to live again.
Looking for new experiences
Beach, Fantasy Fest
Wine, roses, and oral
Up for anything
Active Swingers as of 27-Jul-16.
This site does not contain sexually explicit images as defined in 18 U.S.C. 2256.
Accordingly, neither this site nor the contents contained herein are covered by the record-keeping provisions of 18 USC 2257(a)-(c).
Disclaimer: This website contains adult material. You must be over 18 to enter or 21 were applicable by law.
All Members are over 18 years of age.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy


text:
In the application I' currently developing, i need the user to log on Facebook. For the time being, a webview filling the whole screen allows that but I would like the login view to be displayed only on a modal view taking just a smaller part of the screen. Does anyone know if this is possible and in that case how to do that ?
Great thanks


text:
Overall experience was good. The staff was very friendly and very helpful, the location was convenient by the freeway and plenty of restaurants, fast food, etc. We had the King room which was very nice with plenty of space. The hotel was clean, the breakfast option a plus! No Wi-Fi which was a bummer. It's 2013... no one hooks an ipad to a wire. And my only other complaint was that we had 6 girls (3 families) that we traveled with 11-15 yrs old for a gymnastics meet and we were playing in the pool at 6:30P on a Saturday night and the girls were singing disney song, they were a bit loud- but please they were singing not screaming and the condos behind us - an older gentleman called in to the hotel to complain and ask us to stop. It was irritating that the hotel asked us to stop. The girls were having fun, they were not cursing or playing loud obnoxious music- they were singing and it was 6:30P! This was a disappointment and if you are traveling with a lot of kids for a team event and you know you will be using the pool with your group, you may want to take this into consideration. I think it was ridiculous as noise curfew on a Sat is 11P! Other then that though- I would recommend the hotel.
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- The charm and elegance of a European boutique hotel await you at Ayres Inn Corona East. Whether you're here for a short business visit or a long, relaxing retreat, you'll find all of the luxurious guest rooms at Ayres Inn Corona East are impeccably appointed with a full suite of complimentary amenities including our signature Ayres Dream Sleeper beds, flat screen TVs, refrigerators, coffeemakers, well lit work desks and Wifi, iHomes, hairdryers, curved shower rods, and hookless shower curtains. Every morning you will start your day right with our complimentary full American breakfast.Ayres Inn Corona East is conveniently located off the 91 freeway and just minutes away from family fun like the Castle Amusement Park and the Laser Family Fun Center. If you want to visit your undergraduate at California Baptist University, the Ayres Inn Corona East is within close proximity to the college, making frequent visits uncomplicated. During your stay, take time to relax at the nearby Glen Ivy Hot Springs or squeeze in a round of golf at award winning golf courses close by. Mere minutes away, get in your retail therapy at Riverside's large Galleria Mall. This location has endless possibilities for entertainment and relaxation. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with TravelClick, Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Priceline, Odigeo and Hotwire so you can book your Ayres Inn Corona East / Riverside reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Ayres Inn Corona East / Riverside Hotel Corona


text:
Rare MLK Jr.
posted by drew
"People ask, 'what's wrong with young people?' The question is, 'what's wrong with America?'"
"People ask, 'what's wrong with young people?' The question is, 'what's wrong with America?'"
--Martin Luther King Jr.
drew dellinger
Drew Dellinger is a speaker, poet, writer, teacher, and founder of Planetize the Movement. He has inspired minds and hearts at over 1000 events around the planet, performing poetry and keynoting on justice, ecology, cosmology, activism, democracy and compassion.
[Full Bio]
upcoming events
- Jul 22: IONS 16th International Conference
- Apr 06: The Mountaintop Vision: Martin Luther King's Cosmology of Connection
- Mar 23: The Power of Art to Planetize the Movement
- Feb 04: Gate 2 & Gate Transformational Story Conference
in the store
what people are saying about drew
"One single word planted in the Mystery and Magic of the Cosmos can grow miracles and healing or destroy entire ecosystems of life. We are so fortunate that Drew Dellinger plants truth with such clarity, beauty, and power. Our world is a better place for his words and work in it."
- Julia Butterfly Hill, activist and author of The Legacy of Luna


text:
Veterans Parade
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Join us for the 30th Annual Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver!
The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 5. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the community celebration honoring Veterans of all service branches. This is a free, community event that is open to the public!
The ceremony preceding the parade, beginning at 10 a.m. on the Marshall House lawn, will feature a keynote speaker, local veterans, and honor the 2016 Grand Marshal of the Lough Legacy Veterans Parade.
Vancouver honors veterans of all branches of service with this annual parade, which begins at the east end of Officers Row at East Reserve Street. The parade attracts more than 120 entries with approximately 2,500 individuals marching or riding in the parade. The public is encouraged to attend and support veterans and troops at one of the largest Department of Veteran Affairs-sanctioned veterans parades on the West Coast.
The Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver is proud to partner again with Race to Remember. There will be 5K or 11K run that will lead out the parade, and continue over the land bridge and the Columbia River trail. For more information, please visit their website.
We hope to see you at the parade – rain or shine!
Groups and organizations that would like to honor our nation's veterans are encouraged to participate!
Past participants include numerous veterans service organizations representing all branches of the service, local high school marching bands, several college and high school ROTC groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops from throughout the region, a variety of equestrian units, and military and civilian vehicle collector clubs.
Important links for Parade Participants:
- Parade Participant Letter
- Parade Line-Up
- Parade Map
History of the Lough Legacy Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver
The Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver was started in 1986 by a group of volunteers led by Mike Harding, who recognized a need in our community for a way to honor Clark County veterans and knew that a Veterans Parade would fulfill that need.
With assistance and support from then Vancouver Barracks Commander Royce Pollard and City of Vancouver Mayor Bruce Hagensen, the first Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver took place in 1986. Jerry Bloss and Fred Robertson took over as co-chairs of the planning committee during the parade's fifth year, and led the production of the parade for nearly two decades. Through rain, sun and even snow, dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in ensuring our community recognizes and honors our veterans at the annual Veterans Parade.
The Fort Vancouver National Trust is now honored to host this parade, which is one of the largest Department of Veteran Affairs-sanctioned Veterans Parades on the West Coast. We extend special thanks to our sponsors who help make this event available to the community. While the Trust is now responsible for the organization of the parade, dedicated volunteers, such as John McIlvain and Julie Burger, and our valued sponsors continue to be responsible for making the parade a success!
Thanks to a substantial gift from the estate of Frank and Joanne Lough, the future of Vancouver's Celebrate Freedom Veterans Parade at Fort Vancouver is guaranteed in perpetuity. Frank, a 22-year Navy veteran who had a special place in his heart for veterans of all ranks and services, wanted to ensure that youth today and tomorrow have the opportunity to appreciate the sacrifice and heroism of veterans.
[Watch the 2015 Parade!]


text:
Delightful country bed and breakfast. Unique timberframe home on 6 beautiful acres. Quiet and relaxation abound amidst the pine trees and flower gardens.
You will love a stay at a real working farm. It includes full kitchen and all the accomadations of a working farm house. Enjoy the farm animals, leisurely strolls on the property or harvesting wild fruits. $100 per adult per day. Children free.
Enjoy a round of golf, hunt, shop year-a-round in our Amish shops in Redding, view Prairie Chickens in the Spring or visit our haunted Tedrow Cemetery. Come and relax! Great Breakfasts! Great beds! Enjoy our wrap around porch, pergola and flowers
Explore the nearby Bridges of Madison County; return to swim and relax in luxurious accommodations. This unusual getaway, on 20 beautiful acres, features a 4100 sq. ft. guest house complete with 40-foot heated indoor pool for year-round pleasure.
All non-smoking rooms. Comfortable, clean and quiet rooms. Motel on one level with parking in front of your room. Free WIFI, HDTV, fridge, microwave, ceiling fans and many more convenience's for our guests comfort.
Visit the rolling hills of south central Iowa at The Inn of the Six-Toed Cat. Feel all the pressures of life roll away as you sit on the antique white wicker porch swing. Get away, relax and enjoy an award-winning breakfast.
Secluded modern country guest home. Nested in 80 acres of private forest with a pleasure pond and vineyards. Only 9 miles from Des Moines and 2 miles from Adventureland Park and Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Horse motel. Free WiFi internet
The Hometown Guesthouse is a non smoking hotel located right on Hwy 3. We offer complimentary continental breakfast, free WiFi access, and comfortable beds. Just minutes from Cherokee, Paullina, Correctionville, Remsen and LeMars, Iowa.
Live a week at our ranch. You will be assigned to your horse for a week, enjoy great food, lodging, scenery, wildlife and relaxation. This is one of the only Dude/Guest ranches in Iowa. We are located at Lake Red Rock in the Des Moines River Valley.
Select your destination in Percival Iowa. Browse thousands of listings for accommodations, adventures, tours and travel services.


text:
Separate names with a comma.
Has anyone found a budget app that works well?
...my finances (debt, income, etc) and the app will produce a monthly budget based on the due dates, pay days, etc... Currently, the apps...
...column the quantaty, the software add this item to a template of budget...
somethink like this pics...
I am looking for a good budget app. I tried BudgetFree and PocketExpense, but they are making me crazy. Any good recommendations? I am looking for...
Am looking for an iPad app that lets me create business budgets on. All of the apps that I have found are for reoccurring monthly budgets. I am...
Accessories can be expensive but they don't have to be. Not all of us can afford $50+ for a case so I wanted to start a thread with our favorite...
Last month when the next generation iPad was released, Apple saw fit to lower the price for the iPad 2 16 GB WiFi to $399 and the 3G model...
Hi, I miss the old osx numbers budget template since migrating to an ipad. Is there anyone out there who is willing to email me a numbers file of...
Any recommendations?
...maximum spend.
Is this a sensible way to purchase an IPad on a budget? Should I be looking at sim-free/ jailbroken IPads? Is it wise to buy...
Budget cuts
Playing games, budget and reading news.
Typo: ....commission doesn't have much budget for our athletes.
...then spent the afternoon doing stuff like this:
typedef struct {
float exchangeRate;
double budget;
double euroTransaction;
} budget;
Ny ideas what keyboard would be best for the mini on a budget
I use budget touch by it uses the envelope budgeting style. It looks good on iPad.
lossless Apple MP3, I have no preference to type, budget £300 so about $470
About time. It's hard to budget for something if you don't know what it will cost.
Thanks :) I already added the $99 annual cost to my initial budget plan.
On my budget? Yeah it is.
Wow, Road Warrior, I'm impressed. You must have quite a huge periodicals budget?
Interesting but £ 4,95 for shipping is to expensive for my budget...
Free domain budget
I can't spend any money on the domain name whatsoever.
Well, with a device as ubiquitous as the iPad, there's always something for every budget.
Have you ever tried a marketing agent? Although that might be out of your budget.
32 GB. Decided to use part of my original budget to get the 3G model.
I'm interested. Very interested. Final purchase decision is probably going to depend more on budget than desire.
Mac is fine no problems. My concern is your budget it is like under $800 is that correct
My wife has a bad habit of talking about our budget every time I get a computer.
Sacramento used to have express shipping services on Saturday - but Arnold canceled them because of state budget issues. ;)
I'd like to add GPS to mu wifi ipad mini. Which (budget friendly) gps bloetooth devices do you all use?
It' depending on your needs and budget. ALL of my iPad machines perform well, so quality is not a problem.
Welcome to the site, a random none ipad first post there ;)
Well maybe an ipad if budget can stretch ;)
I use mine for everything from running the household budget to playing games and doing work and study
If you've got the budget and you're a storage hound, go BIG. I did with no regrets.
Got the email from Droid forums and rushed over, not sure if an ipad is in my budget right now, but well see.
If you're on a budget - treat it like a good car and drive it into the ground.
Sent from my iPad using iPF
Cool. I like it this way anyway that way you're not restricted on one set amount. You can load it for whatever amount your budget allows.
I' new girl! Black would be cool. Thanks. Thanks. My budget this year has taken a big hit..So, dear Santa, I have been very girl , so....